The Library of Wisdom and Compassion is a special multi-volume series in which His Holiness the Dalai Lama shares the Buddha’s teachings on the complete path to full awakening that he himself has practiced his entire life. The topics are arranged especially for people not born in a Buddhist culture and are peppered with the Dalai Lama’s own unique outlook. Assisted by his long-term disciple, the American nun Thubten Chodron, the Dalai Lama sets the context for people to practice the Buddha’s teachings in modern times. This series is an important bridge from introductory to profound topics for those seeking an in-depth explanation from a contemporary perspective.

Volume 1: Approaching the Buddhist Path

"This series reflects the fruition of the Dalai Lama’s mind in full maturation. He pushes the boundary of the traditional presentation of the path, thereby paving the way for us. Wherever he goes, we can safely go. Thanks to his unequaled spiritual authority, he may be one of the few, maybe the only, who could do such a thing. His kindness in doing so is profound."—Fabienne Pradelle, Executive Director, Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture

Traditional presentations of the path in Tibetan Buddhism assume the audience already has faith in the Buddha and believes in rebirth and karma, but the Dalai Lama realized early that a different approach was needed for his Western students. Starting from the universal human wish for happiness and the dynamic nature of the mind, His Holiness here provides a framework for the modern reader to make sense of this rich tradition. Subsequent volumes will delve more deeply into particular Buddhist subjects, but this first volume provides a wealth of reflections on Buddhist history and fundamentals, contemporary issues, and the Dalai Lama’s own personal experiences. Get your copy >>